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Started by jtam314msa | | 6 answers
Build a Better Workstation
tl;dr, help me build a cheaper, better PC workstation; requirements below*

I'm trying to build a set of cheap, reliable workstation PCs for a doddering old dentist. Here is what I'm competing with:

> Asus F551MAV-DB02-B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

$250 at his local Brandsmart, $260 on B&H.

> 2.1 GHz Celeron w/1MB L2 cache
> 4GB 1600 MHz (1x4GB, no additional slots)
> 500GB 5400 RPM HDD
> 1366x768 15.6" screen

*Here's the build I'm working on as it stands currently - complete with prices and some notation. It needs to be able to run a CT image scanner/rendering program; software requirements are just 4 gigs of RAM and a dual-core processor.

> $59.99 3.0 GHz G3220 w/3MB L3 cache
> $42.99 G.SKILL 4GB 1333 MHz (2x2GB)
- Prefer dual channel for faster rendering calculations.
> $25.99 Seagate 300GB 7200 RPM HDD
> $45.99 MSI H81M-P33 mobo
- Recommended by Logical Increments. I've heard some people shit on MSI, but this mobo has some solid reviews other than some RMAs well within expected norms.
> $39.99 APEX TM-302-3 case + 300W PSU or
> $49.99 Rosewill FBM-01-450P + 450W PSU
- I know, I know, it's a combo, and we hate combo PSUs, but before you crucify me, I implore you to examine the reviews on both with a fine toothed comb. I came away with great confidence in either choice.

Total: $214.99 - 224.99 depending on the case + PSU.

It's not much cheaper than the laptop, and of course there's peripherals to consider, but this guy plans on buying five or six units total. I figure the total savings, improved specs, and future proofing will add enough value to make it worth his while.

Thoughts, guys? Can I do better? Remember, the goal here is to build a cheap, reliable workstation for just a few low-impact imaging applications and storage.
  • By posting on this site, I confirm I am over 13 years of age and agree to abide by the site’s rules.

October 9, 2014 9:22:41 PM

You're welcome, good luck! And yes, the build should turn out quite well.
October 9, 2014 9:19:51 PM

I normally wouldn't trust them either, but I spent a lot of time vetting each part before I decided on any one component. I'm confident that this build will turn out just fine. Thanks for all your help, friend. : )
October 9, 2014 9:10:36 PM

1) We can argue Seagate v. WD all day, but that would get us nowhere. It's simply a hard drive, and Seagate is still a well-praised brand. But that's lower capacity. That works if you only need 300GB.

2) Workstation needs every part to be able to do things without breaking. I don't trust Apex ESPECIALLY, since the trust to the brand is weedy. And Rosewill is okay, but I won't specifically go for them. Plus, the CX430M is dirt cheap and still well trusted, since that's freaking Corsair. So yah, whatever is fine, but I personally liked my way, not that the Rosewill, again, is fine.
October 9, 2014 8:29:38 PM

Here, okcnaline. I made some small changes.

> A4-6300 ($47.99 @ NewEgg (free shipping, will have to see what NCIX charges)
> GA-F2A88XM-HD3 ($49.79 after rebate)
> G.SKILL 4GB (2x2) DDR3-1866 Memory ($49.99)
> Seagate 300GB 7200 RPM ST3300831SCE ($29.99)
> APEX TM-302-3 case + PSU ($39.99)

Total: $217.75

I get that sweet APU with fast dual-channel memory for around the same price as my first build. I'm sacrificing storage, case, and PSU for this, but 1) my HDD is reliable, 2) this system won't require that much storage, and 3) as I mentioned, the case and PSU (both APEX and Rosewill) seem to be the exception to the rule when it comes to reliable case+PSU combos. Read through their reviews - most of the negatives are due to poor packaging and RMAs that are frequently answered by the manufacturer.
October 9, 2014 8:10:46 PM

Nicely done, okcnaline. I wanted to use AMD originally for its reputation for faster encoding/render speeds. But, if I use that APU, shouldn't I really be using an 1866 MHz module? And dual channel would take even more advantage of those APU cores. I like having a nicer case, PSU, and HDD as well, but I may just stick with the selections I have now in order to get that faster RAM.

Otherwise it's definitely a step in the right direction, well done. : )

Best solution chosen by jtam314msa

October 9, 2014 8:01:25 PM

I gave you a slightly cheaper APU, and a bigger HDD. The GPU is now a 8370D, which is a major improvement to the Intel HD Graphics (Haswell).

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A4-6300 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($37.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-HD3 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($55.18 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $238.11
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-09 23:01 EDT-0400

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